Apple to embed CDMA chip in iPad for Verizon network access

While all the focus today has been on Verizon finally getting the iPhone, there’s good news for those of you considering an iPad for use on Verizon’s network too.

At the moment, if you want to use an iPad on Verizon you need a separate, external WiFi card (as shown in the image below). These come with the iPad if bought from Verizon Wireless. AT&T users don’t need such a device as the iPad can directly connect to its network.

Now it looks as though Apple will update the iPad to have an embedded chip for Verizon removing the need for the card. The news was confirmed by Verizon Communications Inc. chief financial officer Francis Shammo.

Unfortunately, we don’t know when this updated iPad will appear, but hopefully it’s around the same time as the CDMA iPhone on February 10. With the launch of the iPad 2 thought to be happening soon that should hopefully have Verizon network support from day one.